FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets – Premium Quality RC Paper

Introduction:

Bring your black & white darkroom printing to life with FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets, a premium-quality resin-coated (RC) photographic paper engineered for photographers who demand precision, tone control, and archival results. This glossy, multigrade variable-contrast paper offers exceptional clarity and tonal richness, making it ideal for both fine art printing and professional darkroom use.

Overview of FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets

The FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets is part of Foma’s acclaimed Fomaspeed series—trusted by photographers worldwide for decades. Designed for high-quality enlargements, this RC paper features a bright white base and glossy finish that enhances contrast and gives your black & white prints a striking appearance.

With its variable contrast (multigrade) emulsion, this paper allows you to adjust the contrast levels simply by using different color filters or enlarger settings. Whether you’re printing soft portraits or high-contrast architectural shots, the FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets gives you total creative control.

Key Features and Advantages

✅ Resin-Coated (RC) Base – Ensures fast processing, quick drying, and flat results with minimal curling, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and professionals.
✅ Glossy Finish – Delivers deep blacks, brilliant whites, and vivid tonal separation, perfect for display or portfolio prints.
✅ Multigrade Variable Contrast – Adjustable contrast from soft (Grade 0) to hard (Grade 5) when used with multigrade filters or variable contrast enlargers.
✅ Consistent Image Quality – Uniform results under a variety of enlarger light sources, maintaining excellent sharpness and fine grain.
✅ Archival Longevity – When properly processed and stored, prints made with FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets last decades without noticeable fading.
✅ Large 20×24 Inch Format (50.8x61cm) – Suitable for exhibition prints, professional showcases, or large format enlargements.

Perfect for Darkroom Enthusiasts

The FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets caters to both traditional and modern darkroom workflows. It responds beautifully to standard black & white paper developers such as Foma Universal Developer or Ilford Multigrade Developer, delivering consistent and predictable tonal gradation.

Whether you are printing from classic negatives or digital negatives for hybrid workflows, this RC paper ensures maximum tonal fidelity and smooth transitions from highlights to shadows. Its glossy surface enhances image depth, giving prints a striking professional appearance.

Ideal Applications

• Fine art black & white prints
• Exhibition and gallery enlargements
• Portrait photography with smooth tonal transitions
• High-contrast urban or architectural prints
• Educational and lab darkroom training

The versatility of FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets makes it a favorite among professional darkroom printers, art students, and analog photography lovers alike.

Technical Specifications

Printing and Processing Tips

To get the best results from your FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets, follow these expert tips:

1. Use Fresh Chemicals: Always use fresh developer and fixer to maintain consistency. Recommended developer: FOMADON LQN or Ilford Multigrade.

2. Optimal Temperature: Keep processing solutions between 20°C–22°C (68°F–72°F) for balanced tonal response.

3. Exposure Control: Use a test strip to determine correct exposure before printing full sheets.

4. Contrast Control: Employ Foma Multigrade Filters or compatible variable-contrast filters to fine-tune image contrast.

5. Drying and Flattening: Resin-coated papers like FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets dry quickly and stay flat—ideal for framing or archiving.

Why Choose FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets?

This paper is a perfect blend of convenience and superior image quality. Compared to fiber-based papers, FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets processes faster and requires less washing time, saving you both time and resources while maintaining excellent print stability.

It’s also compatible with toning processes like selenium or sepia, enabling photographers to enhance archival permanence or creatively modify tones. This flexibility makes it a go-to paper for darkroom artists seeking fine control over their output.

Recommended Developers and Toners

To enhance your results with FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets, pair it with high-quality chemistry products such as:

• FOMADON LQN Developer (Liquid Concentrate) – Specially formulated for Foma papers and films.
• Kodak Professional Fixer – Reliable fixing solution ensuring long-lasting prints.
• Ilford Rapid Fixer – Quick, clean, and effective fixer for RC and FB papers.

🔗 Learn More

For deeper insights into paper handling and darkroom techniques, visit:
👉 Learn more about multigrade printing techniques.
👉 FOMA BOHEMIA official page.

Some Useful Links (Onestopphoto.in Store)

You can explore related darkroom products available on Onestopphoto.in:

• Foma Multigrade Filter Set – Control contrast precisely with these filters.
• Paterson PTP 115 Universal Developing Tank – Ideal for processing your film before printing.
• MT1 Selenium Toner 250ml Concentrate – Perfect for toning RC or fiber-based papers.

These links enhance your darkroom workflow alongside FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets.

Preserve and Display Your Prints

After printing, store your final prints in archival-quality sleeves or presentation binders. This protects your work from dust, humidity, and UV exposure. You can also mount and frame your FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets prints for exhibitions or display.

Conclusion

The FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets offers an unbeatable balance of professional quality, tonal control, and ease of use. Whether you’re mastering traditional darkroom techniques or experimenting with new creative processes, this RC paper guarantees beautiful, durable results every time. Its flexibility, combined with Foma’s long-standing reputation for excellence, makes it one of the best choices for serious black & white photographers.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between FOMASPEED VAR 311 and FOMASPEED VAR 313?
The FOMASPEED VAR 311 has a glossy finish, while the VAR 313 features a pearl (semi-matte) surface. Both offer multigrade contrast control.

2. Can I tone this paper with selenium or sepia toner?
Yes, FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets is fully compatible with selenium and sepia toners, allowing for extended tonal range and improved archival stability.

3. What developer should I use with this paper?
You can use FOMADON LQN, Ilford Multigrade, or Kodak Dektol developers for excellent results.

4. How should I store unused paper?
Store in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from humidity and direct light, to preserve emulsion sensitivity.

5. Is this paper suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The FOMASPEED VAR 311 20×24” 10 Sheets is ideal for both beginners and experts due to its forgiving exposure latitude and fast processing.

6. What’s the ideal temperature for developing this paper?
Maintain a processing temperature between 20°C–22°C (68°F–72°F) for consistent image quality.